By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) and United Nations (UN) Pakistan have joined hands to promote youth mental wellbeing through sports by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the launch of the “Football for Mental Health” initiative.
The MoU was signed by PFF President Mohsen Gilani and United Nations Resident Coordinator in Pakistan Mohammad Yahya during a ceremony held in Islamabad. The event was attended by Pakistan women’s football team captain Maria Khan, Lahore Qalandars Chief Executive Officer Atif Rana, PFF Chief Executive Officer Shahid Khokhar and prominent personalities from various walks of life.
Under the MOU, a series of phased “Football for Mental Health” programmes will be organized across the country to raise awareness about mental health issues among youth while promoting positivity, confidence, hope and emotional wellbeing through football.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohsen Gilani said football is not merely a sport but also a powerful tool to improve the mental health of young people. He stated that the Pakistan Football Federation is committed not only to the physical development of youth but also to their mental wellbeing. He added that the partnership with the United Nations would further strengthen the positive role of sports in Pakistan.
“Youth are our future, and their mental and physical wellbeing must remain our top priority,” Gilani said, emphasizing that bringing positive social change through sports is a key part of the federation’s vision.
United Nations Resident Coordinator Mohammad Yahya described the partnership as a significant step toward promoting youth mental health in Pakistan. He said sports play a vital role in building confidence, unity and positive thinking among young people, adding that the United Nations Pakistan would continue extending full support for youth welfare initiatives.
He further noted that openly discussing mental health has become an urgent need of the time, while Pakistan is among the few countries in the world where such a unique programme is being launched.
Lahore Qalandars CEO Atif Rana said PFF President Mohsen Gilani is “a Qalandar at heart” and assured full support from Lahore Qalandars for football development initiatives. He highlighted that Lahore Qalandars has already engaged more than 900,000 youngsters through its talent hunt programmes and would continue working with PFF to promote football in the country.
Pakistan women’s football team captain Maria Khan said football strengthens mental resilience, confidence and self-belief, while United Nations Youth Conference member Maria Martha said that although women face various challenges in sports, games continue to create positive opportunities for the younger generation.
